Bayern Meister Beer

Munich’s famous beer event, the Oktoberfest, actually begins in late September and runs until early October. If you’re reading this magazine, chances are you’re already tuned into the idea of outdoor fun and, if you’re reading this column, you’re certain to have an interest in good beer. German beers are generally light yet flavorful, making them ideal for al fresco quaffing.
You can’t get more authentically German than Bayern Meister Beer, a microbrewery and restaurant complex situated on the southwest slope of Mt. Fuji. Opened in 2004 by braumeister Stephan Rager, a native of Bavaria, and his wife Yukari, the brewery offers a small but solid selection of German classics including Pils, Helles and even an eight percent Double Bock, released according to season. At the end of July, Stephan brewed a rich and powerful Oktoberfest beer, which will be fresh and tasty by the time this issue of Outdoor Japan hits the stands.

Bayern Meister Beer has a small outdoor area with several tables, and it is open daily except Wednesdays until 6:30 p.m., and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to phone first to confirm seating.

The brewery is about 500 meters west of Shiraito-no-taki, a famous natural waterfall attraction which would make a great starting destination. A visit to BMB is easy if you have a car (and a designated driver); it is located 800 meters west of the Kamiide Interchange on Highway 139 which runs north from the Fuji interchange on the Tomei Expressway. A map is on their Website, and beer can also be purchased there.

By public transportation, a number of buses serve the Shiroito-no-taki waterfall, a popular natural attraction about 500 meters east of the brewery. Buses run regularly (30 minutes each way) until the early evening from JR Fujinomiya Station on the JR Minobu Line running north from Fuji Station on the JR Tokaido Line.

Other nearby local breweries previously covered in The Local Brew and which hold fun Oktoberfest celebrations are Gotemba Kogen Beer in Gotemba, Shizuoka (www.gkb.co.jp) and Shonan Beer in Chigasaki, Kanagawa (www.kumazawa.jp). Gotemba’s beers tend to be lighter and more accessible, while the ones in Shonan are usually richer and more full-flavored.